Description
Neurotrophins are growth factors that modulate growth, differentiation, and survival of neurons. Structure related proteins include neuron growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurogenic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4/5. They are highly homologous and share a similar structure of a tertiary folded, cysteine rich "knot". Neurotrophins are critical to the development of the central and peripheral nervous system and they play important roles in injury induced neuron regeneration.

NT-3 is encoded by the NTF3 gene, and is the only neurotrophin that affects the development of the enteric nervous system. NT-3 primarily activates the TrkC tyrosine kinase receptor. In addition, NT-3 can activate Trk and TrkB kinase receptors in certain cell systems. NT-3 can also bind with low affinity to the low affinity NGF receptor. Dysregulation of NT-3 is known to be related with neuroblastoma, Alzhiemer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's Disease. Due to the broad cell poplulations affected by NT-3, the control of NT-3-TrkC pathway has become a target for therapeutical approach for neurogenic diseases.

Endotoxin
< 1.0 EU per μg of the protein as determined by the LAL method

Activity
The ED50 as determined by the dose-dependent induction of choline acetyl transferase activity in rat basal forebrain primary septal cell cultures was found in the range of 20-50 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of 2-5 x 104 units/mg.